No open fields and neatly cropped stately avenues here... Yuyuan gardens is wedged into the city and contains many traditional buildings wedged between water features, walls and dragons. Each rooftop had its own set of statue sculptures - you needed to look up as well as down!

The gardens are a mix of greenery and wood. Despite being in the middle of Shanghai, the area is mostly quiet - the modest entry fee again seems to disuade many from entering.

Each building,whether hall, tower or temple, was set out differently - I loved the wooden furniture and dragon... We were not allowed in any apart from the Tea House, where tea was offered and served in traditional style - and very similar to that of Korea. ... and I learned why Black tea should be served with boiling water whereas Green tea should not. Its all a question of fermentation. Although the tea was free - and welcome - I ended up buying some tea cups. Finally I can drink my O'sulloc green tea (poor excuse I know)

I wanted to try and link the photos to the buildings and area of the park, but frankly its impossible with this map!